The spring edition of long-running, semi-annual fashion show Envision has just been announced for May 2 at Orchestra Hall, and it will once again be produced by Public Functionary, Ignite Models, and V2 Nightlife. Uptown boutique Cliché along with Minnesota-based designers House of Gina Marie and Mien Kielo, Ellie Hottinger, Emily Trevor, George Moskal, Idle Child, Jenny Carle, Kjurek, Kozol by Stacie Yokiel, Yevette Willaert, and Stephanie Lake Design will show their latest collections, accompanied by French DJ/producer Monsieur Adi, who served as the official tour DJ for Beyonce’s 2014 “Mrs. Carter” World Tour. Public Functionary will once again host a VIP room with live art and musical performances, and the show will be emceed by Public Functionary director and curator Tricia Khutoretsky.
In recent years, Envision has become the most consistent arena for showcasing collections by emerging Minnesota designers. The most intriguing news about this year’s show is the inclusion of some new names to the Twin Cities design scene, such as House of Gina Marie (not to be confused with Gina Marie Vintage), a new label from Gina Moorhead, who studied fashion in Seattle, New York, and London before recently returning to her home state of Minnesota. Her style seems to be classic with a contemporary twist. Here’s a selection of some of her past looks:
At Envision, Moorhead will be debuting a collaboration collection with Mien Kielo, a silk-based dresses and separates collection founded in New York by designers Jess Laakso Rodysill, a recent Minnesota transplant, and her longtime friend Katie Lerch. Their style features interesting textures and fabric juxtapositions, with an emphasis on embroidery and patterned silks. Here’s some of their past looks:
Another new name is Stacie Yokiel, a recent Minneapolis Community and Technical College (MCTC) apparel grad who I first glimpsed at the Black Hearts Ball this past weekend. She designs sustainable, upcycled leather purses and apparel under the name Kozol. In Fall 2013, she won a scholarship for her look shown at Sol Inspiration’s Eco Friendly Fashion Show. Here’s a selection of her senior line from MCTC:
Yevette Willaert is another new name on the Envision lineup who specializes in socially responsible and fashion-forward clothing designs. She has worked as a costume designer in London and a design assistant for socially responsible fashion brand My Wild Heart and SariCycle, which upcycles saris to benefit NGO’s work in Asia. Here’s a look she did during her time as a junior at St. Kate’s:
May 2, $25 general admission, $60–$75 VIP, Orchestra Hall, 1111 Nicollet Mall, Mpls., envisionmpls.com
